Strong expected performance in its core distribution business sets Italian company up for year of expansion in Europe and North America
Fresh produce supplier Orsero Group says it will invest around €5mn in its Italian and Spanish businesses in the next 12 months as it expands further into high value-added product categories such as fresh-cut fruit, avocados and berries.
In its latest financial guidance document, the company confirmed that its net sales for the year would be between €1.7mn and €1.74mn, with adjusted net profit expected around €25mn-€29mn and adjusted ebitda between €78mn and €83mn.
Its main fruit distribution business is on track to secure higher revenue and “stable, excellent” margins in 2026, despite supplying a lower volume of bananas due to “continued competitive pressure” on selling prices, it said.
In its shipping business, meanwhile, sales and profitability will likely be affected by a decline in volumes – which hit a record high in 2025 – and higher projected operating costs.
Orsero’s planned spending on operating fixed assets over the course of 2026 is predicted to be in the region of €14mn-€16mn, including the investment earmarked for its operating facilities in Spain – in Seville and the north of the country– and its fresh-cut business in Italy.
As Fruitnet reported earlier this month, the group also wants to establish a fresh produce import business in the US as soon as possible.
Ready to expand
Raffaella Orsero, vice-chair and CEO of Orsero, and Matteo Colombini, co-CEO and CFO, commented: “The 2026 guidance confirms the expected positive performance of the group’s core business, with the Distribution [business unit] expected at satisfactory levels, in line with its current excellent performance.
“The focus continues on high value-added product categories, which are expected to grow further and drive the group’s future development. The quality of revenues should also be assessed in light of the expected reduction of the banana product, due to strong competitive pressure on sales prices.
“As far as the Shipping [unit] is concerned, the maritime freight scenario is expected to remain substantially unchanged, but with an increase in operating costs and a slight decline in the loading factor compared to the record levels of 2025.
“The capital and financial structure is adequate to support the group’s growth strategy, which remains focused on continued organic expansion and development through M&A transactions.
“In 2026, we will work on growth initiatives in Spain and Italy, supporting value-added product categories, and we will remain focused on expanding the group’s activities in new markets.”
